For the second consecutive day, three defensive starters in linebackers Ray Lewis (foot) and Terrell Suggs (sprained ligament in left knee) and free safety Ed Reed (foot) did not practice. Lewis acknowledged tweaking his right ankle in Sunday's 17-15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, but he continued to play.

Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (sprained right ankle) was limited for the second straight day.

On the flip side, tight ends Todd Heap (chest) and L.J. Smith (illness) and center Matt Birk (neck) fully practiced. Birk and Smith did not practice Wednesday, while Heap was limited. Linebacker Jarret Johnson (left shoulder) fully practiced for the second consecutive day.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, strong safety Troy Polamalu (strained posterior collateral ligament in left knee) missed practice for the second straight day. Left guard Chris Kemoeatu, who also did not practice, has already been ruled out due to a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Running back Willie Parker (hip) joined defensive end Travis Kirschke (torn calf muscle) as being limited. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (head) fully participated for the second consecutive day.

Wide receiver Hines Ward and linebacker James Farrior -- both of whom did not practice Wednesday because of non-injury-related reasons -- were taken off the injury report.